M Bride- A bridal boutique.

No matter how bad an economy is, woman always want a fantasy storybook wedding–and let’s face it people–it’s all about the dress.

Michelle Martin owns bridal boutique M Bride, in La Jolla.

Department stores may be the place most brides visit when shopping for their big day, but one visit to M Bride, and an appointment with Martin herself, most brides won’t be able to turn away.

A Detroit girl with a truck driver’s mouth, this chick tells it like it is.  “I don’t blow smoke up someone’s ass.  I’ve been blogged about. If a gown looks like shit on you, I’m gonna’ freakin’ tell you,” Martin says.

She’ll only sell gowns that are hand-made in the US.  “None are mass-produced in China. I respect the artistry of it.  I worked in designer showrooms, and know how hard those people work, ” Martin says.

In LA, she worked for Coce Voci and St. Pucci.

Martin believes the most important thing about a wedding gown isn’t how much you spend on it, but how good you look in it.  “Whatever your budget, find something that fits your body and your personality,” says Martin.

Trends in dresses don’t change wildly. Strapless gowns are the cornerstones of the industry thanks to Vera Wang’s collection in 1992, and the one-shoulder

1950’s style gowns have made a huge comeback.

Veils are tricky.  “The dress is the painting, and the accessories are the frame,” Martin says.  “Don’t spend five grand on a dress and then go buy some cheap looking shitty Quinceanera looking veil,” Martin says.
Her major pet peeve is the bride that scrimps on great foundation garments.  “If I hear one more time from some bride that she doesn’t want to wear a real strapless bra with a bodice because she doesn’t want to be “un-comfortable”, I’m going to freakin’ scream.  It’s a wedding, you’re not supposed to be comfortable,” says Martin.